At least four people were tragically killed and six others wounded in a horrific mass shooting that took place on Wednesday night at a renowned biker bar in Trabuco Canyon, Orange County, Southern California. This shocking incident was confirmed by law enforcement sources on Thursday.
The devastating attack unfolded at Cook’s Corner on Santiago Canyon Road at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday (0230 GMT). Authorities swiftly responded to the scene after receiving reports of gunfire.
According to anonymous sources, the gunman responsible for the carnage was revealed to be a retired law enforcement officer from Ventura County. Reports suggested that the shooter specifically targeted his estranged wife, though it remains unclear whether he followed her to the location before unleashing terror upon the unsuspecting crowd.
Law enforcement sources indicate that a total of five fatalities may have occurred during this senseless act of violence. Thankfully, the source adds, there is no longer an active threat.
Cook’s Corner, a beloved motorcycle hangout nestled at the convergence of El Toro, Santiago Canyon, and Live Oak Canyon roads near O’Neill Regional Park, has been a prominent establishment for decades. The bar’s online calendar had listed a performance by M Street, a five-piece Orange County rock band, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday evening.
Earlier in the evening, before the tragedy unfolded, the band shared an Instagram video showcasing their instruments set up on a small stage inside the bar, which appeared eerily empty.
State Senator Dave Min, an Irvine Democrat, expressed his heartbreak over the incident, stating, “I’m heartbroken by the news of yet another mass shooting tonight, this time at Cook’s Corner, a historic bar in the heart of Orange County. My heart breaks for the families and loved ones of the victims.”
Historical accounts reveal that Cook’s Corner was named after Andrew Jackson Cook, who acquired approximately 190 acres of Aliso Canyon through a land trade back in 1884. His son, Earl Jack E.J. Cook, inaugurated a roadside hamburger joint in 1931, which was later modified to include alcohol after the end of prohibition in 1933, eventually becoming a fully-fledged bar. In 1946, Cook relocated an old mess hall from the Santa Ana Army Air Base to its present site on El Toro Road, giving birth to the iconic tavern.
Over the years, Cook’s Corner has deepened its connection with motorcycle culture, attracting riders from across the region and earning its status as a popular hangout spot.
This tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the ongoing issue of gun violence in our society. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are awaited.
dpa/NAN
